Jewish Practices & Rituals:
Kippah (Yarmulke)

Wearing of a head covering (yarmulka, skullcaps, kippah [pl. kippot])
for men was only instituted in Talmudic times (approximately the
second century CE). The first mention of it is in Tractate
Shabbat, which discusses respect and fear of God. Some sources
likened it to the High Priest who wore a hat (Mitznefet)
to remind him something was always between him and God. Thus,
wearing a kippah makes us all like the high priest and turns us
into a "holy nation." The head covering is also a sign
of humility for men, acknowledging what's "above" us
(G­d).

Many Ashkenazi rabbis acknowledge that wearing a head covering
at all times was once considered an optional midat chasidut (pious act), but, today, full­time head covering is the norm
except under extenuating circumstances. Sephardic communities
generally did not have the custom of wearing a kippah all the
time.

Some diaspora Jews leave off the kippah at school, work, or when
testifying in court, because of real danger or uneasiness in appearing
in the secular world with an obvious symbol of Jewishness.

In Israel wearing a kippah also has a social significance. While
wearing a kippah shows that you are somewhat religious, not­wearing
one is like stating, "I'm not religious." The style
of kippah in Israel can also indicate political and religious
affiliations. Classical orthodoxy uses a large, smooth, black
one shaped like a bowl. Many Hasidim use large black felt or satin,
and a "rebellious son" may wear a slightly smaller black
kippah to show his independence while remaining in the Classicist
camp. Another play on this rebellion is to wear a knitted black
kippah. This is also usually used to confuse people as to where
you stand.

In Bukhara and the Caucasian Mountains the use of a large brightly
woven kippah is common. It is similar in shape to a cantor's kippah
without the peak. This custom can also be found in other Sephardic
communities.

Knitted kippot typically signify that you are part of the Nationalist
Zionist camp. A larger full headed knitted kippah would signify
the Mercaz Harav branch of the movement that produces many of
the leading rabbis within the Religious Zionist section, although
many rabbis who teach at these institutions wear the traditional
large black kippot.